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More than 600 firefighters battle as strong winds feed the flames

Portuguese officials say that more than 600 firefighters have been mobilised to battle at least 26 wildfire outbreaks across the nation. Two firefighters died earlier this month battling the flames.

AP - Officials say more than 600 firefighters are battling at least 26 serious wildfire outbreaks fanned by gusting winds in three separate areas of Portugal.

The civil protection authority says fires with several active fronts have flared up and are being fought near southwestern Sintra, close to the northern border with Spain and in the central Serra da Estrela natural park.

Around 250 firefighters are focusing on the park, employing 76 fire engines and two helicopters, while just north of the beauty spot 180 are fighting more blazes, backed up by six water-spraying aircraft, the authority said in a statement Saturday.

Wildfires are common in Portugal during summer and almost 10,000 fighters and 56 aircraft are on standby this year. Two firefighters died earlier this month.